Esther Ward

Esther Romaine Bauer Ward, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on March 15, 2026 at her home in Waverly. Born on March 20, 1932 in Omega, Ohio to Hobart and Gertrude Bauer, she graduated from Waverly High School in 1950. On March 29, 1953, she married John J. Ward, who preceded her in death.

Esther devoted herself to raising her five daughters as a stay-at-home mother before becoming a successful antique dealer. For more than forty years she operated her own shop and sold at flea markets, sharing her keen eye and love of history with the community.

She is survived by her daughters, Jan (Peter) Elliott, Joan Uhrig, Jamie Peters, Julie (Dean) Ward, and Jenny Silcott; grandchildren Shane Peters, Stacie (Shawn) Porter, Steffie (Joel) Eversole, Dan (Sasha) Hocter, John (Andrea) Hocter, Alex Elliott, Jessie (Wyatt) Silcott, Hailie and Annie Silcott; twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law Katherine Bauer, Ethel (Selby) Noel, and Jean (August) Oyer; sister-in-law Judy Ward; and sons-in-law Steven Peters and Randy Silcott.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the devoted caregivers who loved and cared for her with such warmth: Diane Wolfe, Tammy Montgomery, Brandy Peters, Norma Manley, Pat Monroe, Kathy Noel, Susan Shoemaker, and granddaughters Annie, Jessie, and Hailie Silcott, as well as the team from Adena Hospice.